There is a bill in the Florida Senate committee that, if approved would
require HIV testing for almost every baby born in Florida.  Of the 205,000 babies
born in Florida in 2002 health officials say about 20 babies are thought to be
hiv-positive.  So in an effort to stem this "epidemic," mandatory testing will
become law. This effort of course will be an economic plus for the test kit
companies, the drug and infant formula industries.  It certainly will cause
some babies to be given medications and formula unnecessarily.

The Florida Senate Staff analysis states that, "Given the small number of
newborns who test positive each year, (37 in 2002) compared to the total number
of live births (205, 580 in 2002), many children will be tested who are never
at risk."  They also state, "The language [of the bill} appears to conflict
with s.381.004(3)(b), F.S., which requires informed consent prior to HIV
testing."

If you are a Florida resident and concerned about this bill, please consider
writing your representative (or better yet writing a letter, an email, and
calling--all 3 things)  The sponsor of this bill was the Health, Aging, and
Long-Term Care Committee and Senator Lynn (from Volusia County--were I just happen
to live).
If you have any further questions, suggestions, or want to be involved more
substantially, please email me.
Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC
[log in to unmask]


             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]

The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html